If saving money feels impossible, you’re not lazy—you’re overwhelmed. Bills hit first, willpower comes last, and whatever’s left quietly disappears. That’s exactly why Martin Lewis’s 1p Savings Challenge is exploding right now. It’s simple, psychological, and brutally honest: start tiny, stay consistent, and let momentum do the heavy lifting.

 

No gimmicks. No risky investing. No “wake up at 5am” nonsense. Just a plan that works for normal people.

 

 

What Is the 1p Savings Challenge?

 

The idea is painfully simple:

 

 

• • Day 1: Save 1p

 

• • Day 2: Save 2p

 

• • Day 3: Save 3p

 

• • …

 

• • Day 365: Save £3.65

 

 

By the end of the year, you’ve saved £667.95.

 

That’s not theory. That’s math—and it works because it hacks your brain. You start so small it feels pointless. By the time amounts grow, the habit is already locked in.

 

Why This Challenge Is Trending Right Now

 

Three reasons—no fluff:

 

 

1. 1. Inflation fatigue: People are done with complex money advice.

 

1. 1. Trust factor: Martin Lewis doesn’t sell courses or hype.

 

1. 1. New Year psychology: Everyone wants a reset that doesn’t hurt.

 

 

This challenge hits all three. It’s gentle, practical, and doesn’t insult your intelligence.

 

Exact Step-by-Step: How to Do the 1p Savings Challenge

 

Step 1: Choose Your Method (Be Honest)

 

Pick one. Don’t overthink it.

 

 

• • Physical jar or box (best for visual motivation)

 

• • Separate savings account

 

• • Notes app + weekly transfer

 

• • Spreadsheet or printable chart

 

 

If you’re bad with apps, go physical. If you love tracking, go digital. The “best” method is the one you’ll stick to.

 

 

Step 2: Follow the Daily Amount (No Skipping)

 

Each day, save the amount equal to the day of the year in pence.

 

 

• • Jan 10 → 10p

 

• • Feb 14 → £0.45

 

• • Mar 30 → £0.89

 

• • Dec 31 → £3.65

 

 

Miss a day? Don’t quit. Double up tomorrow and move on.

 

Step 3: Know the Monthly Reality (So You Don’t Panic)

 

Here’s the truth people hide:

 

 

• • Jan: ~£4.96 (easy)

 

• • Mar: ~£13.95 (still easy)

 

• • Jun: ~£41.85 (noticeable)

 

• • Sep: ~£69.30 (this is where people quit)

 

• • Dec: ~£96.10 (discipline phase)

 

 

If September scares you, switch to weekly saving (details below).

 

 

Weekly Version (For Busy or Forgetful People)

 

Same total. Less mental load.

 

Week	Save
Week 1	£0.28
Week 4	£1.26
Week 13	£6.37
Week 26	£23.66
Week 52	£25.55

 

You still hit £667.95—just with fewer daily decisions.

 

Free Savings Templates You Can Create in 5 Minutes

 

Option 1: Excel / Google Sheets

 

Columns:

 

 

• • Day

 

• • Amount (auto-calculated)

 

• • Saved (Yes/No)

 

• • Running Total

 

 

Option 2: Printable A4 Sheet

 

 

• • 365 boxes

 

• • Tick one daily

 

• • Highlight milestones (£100, £300, £500)

 

 

Option 3: Envelope Method

 

Label envelopes:

 

 

• • Week 1–52

 

• • Add weekly amount

 

• • Seal it. No touching.

 

 

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Common Mistakes (Read This Before You Start)

 

Let’s be blunt:

 

 

• • ❌ Starting late and trying to “catch up fast”

 

• • ❌ Using money you’ll need for bills

 

• • ❌ Quitting after missing 2–3 days

 

• • ❌ Expecting motivation to carry you

 

 

This challenge is boring on purpose. Boring works.

 

Who This Challenge Is Perfect For

 

 

• • First-time savers

 

• • People with irregular income

 

• • Students & families

 

• • Anyone burned by “investment advice”

 

 

If you already save £500/month, this won’t excite you. If you don’t save at all, it can change everything.

 

What To Do With the £667 (Don’t Waste the Win)

 

Plan this now:

 

 

• • Emergency fund

 

• • Clearing one annoying debt

 

• • Holiday fund

 

• • Kids’ education

 

• • Buffer against rising bills

 

 

Money without a purpose disappears. Decide early.

 

Final Thought: Why This Actually Works

 

Martin Lewis didn’t invent this to be clever. He shared it because small, repeatable actions beat big promises.

 

You won’t feel rich saving 1p.
You won’t feel disciplined saving 20p.
But one day, you’ll check your total—and it’ll hit you.

 

That’s how habits change lives.